New Kid on the Block

OMG...My brain just totally shut itself off last night at the exact time I got home from school! I managed to get to ASU early yesterday and found a parking spot not EVEN on campus! While lugging myself two miles UPHILL to Student Services, I noticed and I kid you not, that I had on one BROWN flipflop and one BLACK flipflop. At this point I really didn't give a crap! LOL It wasn't that noticeable because the sandles were pretty worn out but I just thought it was hilarious! I'm sure the picture of me hauling my mismatched butt uphill laughing aloud made me stand out even more than my being 100 years older than everyone else! LOL Surprisingly, it was easy peasy getting a student i.d. I then had to roll back down the 2 mile hill to Parking Services where I applied for a parking permit. For 50 bucks I sure as heck better get to park ON campus! Of course it asks for my license plate number to which I have NO clue, so I have to go BACK to my car THEN back to actually get the permit. Again, not so hard to do. Now I have about 1 hour to kill before class starts and I have NO idea where the class actually is located. ;)

I go to McDonald's to use the restroom because I am not leaving my Armada in ostracized parking. They were having a MickyD's manager meeting which made me feel even better about myself because I am NOT a manager of McD's. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Whew!

I go back and wheel myself into the first parking spot ON campus I see. They have loads of construction going on and I am next to a construction zone. No hot construction men either FYI. Why I feel the need to mention this I really have NO idea. I half expect to find a nail in my tire at some point this week. Anyhoo, I lug my crap out and proceed to walk toward the Student Services (just called the Student Center back in my day) and ask the first "okay" looking person I see where Wilson Hall is...and wouldn't ya know it...they have NO clue! I trudged on and asked the next PAIR of people I see (doubling my odds) and jackpot!!!! They even pointed me in the direction of the building. It's right beside the Student Services (SS). Yay! I scope out the building and make a straight beeline to the SS and purchase a Starbucks grande BOLD coffee. All is right with the world! I people watch for a few minutes while enjoying my caffeine injection.

I arrive 15 minutes early for class. It is a small classroom which is a good thing for me. The class starts on time and there are only 10 students. Whew! I am obviously the oldest one in the crowd (save the teacher...she may have me beat by 10 years) and ALL are English majors (save me) and HALF are new to the grad program (like me!). They all seem pretty nice with a couple of showoffs. There's usually one in every crowd but I'm thinking there are 2 in here. No biggie. We basically get the syllabus and begin explication of a poem. I haven't "explicated" a poem in 25 years but it's OK...we work in groups and the teacher's not a stickler for specifics yet. I can pick apart a poem and find 100 ways of Sunday to explain it...I just suck on rhyme and meter...but I end up not looking like a complete idiot. I find out that this course is pretty much going to be all about poetry and The Odyssey. And did I mention I LOATHE poetry? But this instructor seems very laid back and is cool with letting us out early. I like her!

I leave campus at exactly 5 seconds after class and go back to the McDonald's because I have not eaten and have a colossal headache. 3 chicken strips later and I still have a headache. 45 minutes of enjoying "halo" lights from oncoming cars I still have a headache which is now fast progressing to a potential brain tumor. I wheel into the garage, get out, greet the family with limited witty repartee, and immediately go to bed. Lights out.

Such is the life of a college student. :)

PepRally, Football, and ASU

I managed to make it to the Lee Academy pep rally on Friday afternoon. It was a bittersweet event. I am fairly sure it will be the last one I attend for a bit. The kids were too sweet coming up and hugging me...it made me feel bad. I know that I chose to leave but darnit I wish I could do it all. But I can't and that makes me sad.

I promised to go to the football game and I did make it. I really didn't get to see much of the game. I visited and talked my head off. It was wonderful seeing everyone. I did remind my kids who are attending ASU that they do not know me and I don't know them if they see me on campus! LOL They promised they would yell out across campus if they even catch sight of me..GREAT. NOT! LOL I'm trying to "blend-in" people. Don't blow my cover! Ha!

Speaking of school, I am starting to get nervous. I'm just ready to get it started and into a routine. I know this is the right thing to do and the right time to do it. God gave me a huge thumbs up sign the other day and for that, I am very grateful. I won't share how I know this but am proud I actually paid attention this time! Probably a first! LOL

And this weather is AWESOME! Of course this means that September and October will be scorchers! I'm telling ya fo sho!

I will hopefully update after Tuesday classes to let ya know how it's going. Hope all have a WONDERFUL week! Later blog readers....

What's Right with America

I have seen yet another facebook post about what is wrong with America. It's pretty much the same ol' same ol' but with quotes. Yes, I agree there are a lot of things wrong with the USA but I was raised that you get more flies with honey than you do vinegar sooooo to me, and this is just my opinion, if you want people to listen to you...you really needs to work on the "tone" of the message. And remember just because someone doesn't agree with any or all of your statements to not revert to name-calling and/or self-deprecating humor. It falls pretty flat among the thinkers of America.

With that being said...I'm going to highlight just a FEW things that I think make America JUST FREAKIN' AWESOME! Here it goes:

1. The 1st Amendment: I'll go ahead and start with the BIGGIE....and I'm not just talking about freedom of speech. It states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or depriving the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the PEOPLE to peaceably assemble to gripe about the government. This is an often misused amendment to promote a bunch of bull but hey, it allows you to do just that! If you don't think this is "right" because your religion is the ONLY one, then you are missing the whole point of the intent of this amendment and I really can't help ya. Check out other countries and see how they do business and you'll quit talking about what's wrong with us.

I refuse to make this post about the Bill of Rights AND the 27 Amendments to our Constitution but I can promise you that a LOT of the VERY things that are RIGHT with us is contained within this living document.

2. As a woman, I thank the Lord (and I do mean God because I choose to believe in Him) that He allowed me to be born in the USA. I cannot fathom why on Earth any woman would choose to live anywhere else. Our freedoms, our rights, our very essence to exist flourishes HERE. The American woman CHOOSES whether she works or not; marries or not; has children or not; votes or not (and why on earth wouldn't you everytime the polls are open?!?); goes to college or not; can choose her hair, makeup, clothing, and for the most part is encouraged to become whatever she CHOOSES/WANTS to be. People please! I could go on and on to ad nauseum on this but I'll spare my male readers.

3. We have access to running water, electricity, roads, food, cell phones, education, employment and education opportunities, travel to wherever we want to go either interstate or out of country, entertainment, etc. etc. etc. There are places in this world today, TODAY in 2009, that don't have any or all of these!

4. We have a government that is elected by the people for the people. Enough said.


I am just sick to death of conspiracy theorists, spin cycle doctors, the media, people who refuse to think for themselves, and just the general doom and gloom about the USA and where we are going wrong. I'm not saying there aren't some things, heck a lot, that need attending to...but at the end of the day when I lay my head on my pillow I KNOW I am living in the GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH. Sometimes some people just need a little reminding. Of course they probably don't read my blog...Darnit! ;)

Super Sucky Day

This day has been crappy! I took my 5th grader to school in a monsoon then met with my personal trainer who I shall henceforth refer to as.....Helga. I am so bored one whole hour into my brand new life as a grad student that I not only spend TWO hours at the gym BUT manage to stroll around the 7th layer of Hades for ONE hour! What the heck?!?

I am also going to be kicked off Facebook yet again but this time I will know why! I LOATHE political status updates and I even posted one myself yesterday. But in my defense, it was a partisan/bi-partisan quote. A leading Republican (but I have no doubt that a Democrat has done the SAME thing) was quoted as saying he was negotiating for Republicans. That just irritated me because we send these guys to Washington to represent AMERICANS. ALL of US. I guess I just lost my mind for a second thinking it might actually make a difference and/or remind others of who we are. WRONG again..big surprise.

So, today I don't even go there with my stat and I read this off the wall political stat that just ruins my whole day. I have been sucked into another political bullcrap session. Honestly, I just wish everyone would shut up and quit mouthing off UNLESS you can back it up with TRUTHFUL information. Would that be too much to ask? You can really scare people..heck there are people out there that still believe that Obama is not an American. Give me a freakin' break people. Now that I have said this.....I'm going to shut up. Not one more word out of me in offense or defense on Facebook. However, this is MY blog and I will continue as I see fit. Thankfully, deer season opens in a couple of months and I can move onto much lighter topics. LOL

Sorry to be such a rebel today but sometimes I've just got to VENT. Later.......

What a Wild Week

This past week has been quite busy. I honestly cannot remember it all. Darn Diet Coke in aluminum cans! Actually, I should just blog more often because my short-term memory is in the toilet. Hence the aluminum can comment. I read somewhere that it is linked to memory loss and possibly Alzheimer's. I'm doomed for sure.

I did manage to take my mom and Blakely to Memphis. We actually bought only school clothes for Blake. I did get a few books for myself but I think it's a first for Mom and me not to have brought ANYTHING wearable home. Wow is all I can say. The world could possibly be ending.

Speaking of my Mom..she is very cool but she screws up so many words and phrases that it is a running joke around our home. Anthony calls her Swizzler because she couldn't remember Barry Switzer's last name. That was years ago and it still sticks and she's still screwing up words. The latest: Tom & Jerry's ice cream and Cootons (not croutons) AND True Value Salad dressing instead of Great Value. LOL Her pat answer has been and will always be: Well, you know what I mean! And the sad part is...we do! LOL

I also finally received all of my books for ASU. I think I'm ready. I KNOW I AM. I really do miss teaching at Lee. It kind of surprises me actually. Of course I'll get over it though. I will probably get to substitute some. I know I will in the Spring as I have agreed to fill in for Trish while she is on maternity leave. And with another pg one down there I may help more. Who knows? I'm leaving it open to scheduling. But I am SUPER excited about all the POSITIVE changes that are going on down there. Accountability, good pr, in-service, teacher evaluations...just to name a few. Two thumbs up to the new school board! :)

Today Blakely and I went to the Memphis Zoo. It was blazing hot and we sweated like hogs but had a BLAST! I swear every time we go there something freaky happens and today was NO exception. We were in the Northwest Passage watching the polar bears swim around. We go outside to one of the little windows and bend down. One of the bears swims at us, which is what we thought he would do, so we were bending down waving and I kid you not...he lunged at us and crashed into the glass like he was attacking us! Scared the bejesus out of both of us! I mean we almost had "accidents" if ya know what I mean. Not a big fan of the polar bear exhibit right now. Wow. And then to add insult to injury, we learned that our favorite python Ann..the one that's been there a gazillion years..died July 28th. Kind of sad. I even went into the Creatures of the Dark exhibit which I detest! Usually somebody else is with us and they'll go with Blake but it was just me today. I still detest it! It's dark, stanky, and I'm a tad claustrophobic. Not going back..that's it for me.

Well, school starts Thursday and I will update because I am also trying something new that day. I'll let ya know. Later blog readers......

Just a Little Me Time

I have had an interesting day, to say the least, on Facebook. I posted what I thought was a harmless dig at the media's failure to report fairly and balanced. That wasn't really my main point...I'm really missing Tim Russert. Well, all kinds of comments started rolling and some were a little, well......rough around the edges. Actually, I do enjoy listening to ALL people who choose to participate in the political process. Even when I strongly disagree. That being said...one of my posts got deleted and I still have NO idea how but wanted to clear up something that a few are truly missing:
1. There are THREE branches of government for a reason called BALANCE of POWERS.
2. I'll break it down: the executive branch is the President. He is the man in charge. He happens to be Barack Obama. He is the head of the Democratic Party and is responsible AND required to push the Democratic party agenda. He is the one who if things go right...woohoo party time and uber credit. And he's the one when things go wrong....he is villified and burned in effegy. Most of the time things go wrong. ;) Next up: the legislative branch which is our Congress. There are 100 Senators and 435 Representatives. They make our nation's laws. They, and they alone, can declare war. They are THE machine of democracy. We put these people there and they work for US. And Last but definitely not Least: the judicial branch or simply the Supreme Court. There are 9 justices on the court and they are appointed by the President but must be approved by the Senate. Their term is for life or until they decide to retire. These are the people ensuring that no laws passed by Congress and signed by the President violate our most precious document The Constitution of the United States of America. They've got OUR back. Honestly, this is the branch I most admire and respect. Fair, balanced, and BY THE BOOK.
3. None of these can get away with anything without the others noticing and keeping in check.

Now I give this mini-Civics lesson because I taught Civics and know of which I speak. That being said.....it never ceases to amaze me that people just blindly go after the Prez. And please READ something other than the Internet to get the FACTS. And PLEASE turn off the TV because that institution has totally lost sight of the journalistic ethical code. And be an American who voices their opinions proudly and openly with conviction and resolution. Don't stoop to slander and half-butt snide remarks. It's unbecoming and beneath us. We ARE the greatest country on EARTH no matter who we've got sitting in DC. We can openly question our leaders and that is guaranteed by our Constitution without fear of reprisal or death. So let's do it correctly and in a manner that wouldn't embarrass us in front of our grandparents.

OK, I'm through venting. I really thought this kind of post wouldn't need to be written until election time but hey, I never miss an opportunity to rage against the machine! Politely, of course. ;)

AND I STILL MISS TIM RUSSERT DEEPLY! Not that anybody obviously cares. I'm pouting now.

Later blog readers......

Back to School...well sort of

I am feeling a little disconnected. All my teacher friends are returning to work and here I sit. It feels weird to not be teaching this year..not to mention to actually BE unemployed. I am going to miss the routine but NOT the drama. I am a little nervous about starting grad school. I mean I know I can do the work..it's just different. I am extremely thankful that my better half has encouraged me to take this path because I don't know if I would've considered it had he not.

OK on to better stuff..

Blakely is so ready to start back to school! How cool is that? She's ready to start the 5th grade. She has her school supplies and we are shopping for some new duds this week. I cannot believe she is going to be in the FIFTH GRADE! Where did the time go?????? It was just yesterday she was starting Kindergarten!!

I read an article today on msnbc that said in California they were giving away gift cards in exchange for guns. What the heck?!? Crazy Californians! I'll turn in my guns ONLY if the gift cards are for BassPro, Cabela's OR credit at your local GUN show! LOL No way hosea! Me and the 2nd amendment are tight and that's the way I intend to keep it. ;)

I try not to offer my opinion unless someone asks for it...seriously I don't! I have found if you tell somebody what you really think without their request..it's NEVER a good thing. I wish a few more people could pony up to this way of thinking. That's all I'ma gonna say on that one. OK, I know what you're thinking..I offer my opinion ALL the time without solicitation on my blog...why yes I do but it's MY blog and you don't HAVE to read it....but I'm awful glad you do. ;)

The world is your oyster. Expand your mind! Tolerance. Compassion. Bigotry and hate have NO place. This was a little random but I'm feeling rebellious. As a matter of fact, I want this on my tombstone.

I will never understand the capacity to hate. Even Hitler had a mother! Now I'm just rambling and this is never a good thing so I'm going to cut this post short...later blog readers.

Be Careful What You Wish For

Famous last words if I do say so myself! If you are a faithful reader of my blog, you know that it's no secret that we would move from FC given the opportunity. Well, that opportunity presented itself in the form of an offer on our fabulous house Tuesday afternoon. This literally threw the Davisfam into a whirling dirvish tailspin! I mini-freaked and Blakely totally freaked. Anthony is male so he was in total control. yeah, right. We immediately start looking at homes in Conway. Conway would be an easier move but both of us really, really like Hot Springs and would love to call it home one day. Soooo, we also start looking at more realty in Hot Springs. Our heads are literally spinning and our nerves are shot. We are a quite vocal family so there were some heated convos. ;)


We sleep on it and truly have no idea what to do. I go with the repeat prayer of God show me a way over and over and over. Not original nor creative but I've found that's soooo not necessary with the Big Guy. Of course, the 3 biggies of snafus in this move are:


1. The timing: could it be any worse? yeah, probably but not likely. it's one week before most schools start. It would be uber difficult to acclimate Blake into a new school environment on this insane time frame.


2. The commute for AD. This could be done but not without extreme difficulty for me. It would literally leave me to myself (which would be OK but) not my preference.


3. My graduate degree is kaput for now. I cannot commute from Conway nor Hot Springs to ASU. Not and do everything needed. Too hard on me and Blakely. And deadlines are well past for fall admission to UCA.



So, then we have an epiphany which will sound nuts to most but actually would work. We would move 10 miles to the west to the farm in Palestine. Build a hangar home which is way cool. This could work! Blake and I get pumped about it. It was Ad's idea so I'm thinking okay..we sell the house live with relatives for 2-6 weeks, Blakes is still at Lee, AD no commute, and I can continue grad school. Sounds perfect, huh? Then we put pencil to paper and figure costs. It's a squeaker. It could be done but not worth the move to get it done. Soooooo, we are back to square one and the house is now no longer for sale. Now this will thrill some and disappoint others. I can honestly say that I'm a little disappointed and thrilled at the same time. Can we say bi-polar?!? LOL It's been a heckuva emotional rollercoaster of a week. Whew....this was a difficult blog entry to share.


Well, only God knows what the future holds . I am going to trust this is the right decision for right now. I am sure we will have momentary regrets because we are only human. But this too shall pass. I'm still loving my life!


Later blog readers......

A Random Survey Courtesy of a Fellow Blogger (you know who you are!)

1. What time did I get up this morning? 5:30 in the a.m.
2. How do I like my steak? Well done thank you very much and you would too if you saw the same PBS documentary I did on bacteria in meat. Yikes!
3. What was the last film I saw? The Proposal courtesy of ACV. It was AWESOME! Go see it at Broadway Cinema.
4. What is my favorite TV Show? Burn Notice on USA and any Law & Order episode.
5. If I could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I would most definitely stay in the USA but I would probably choose NYC or Montana/Idaho.
6. What did I have for breakfast? Honey Nut Cheerios with milk and oh yeah, diet coke.
7. What's my favorite cuisine? Hands down bar none..SUSHI.
8. What foods do I dislike? Beets and cottage cheese. YUCK!
9. Favorite place to eat? Any place that serves sushi. Seriously.
10.Favorite dressing? I always get Ranch but only because nobody ever has a good balsamic vinagrette.
11.What kind of vehicle do I drive? Big black Nissan Armada.
12.What are my favorite clothes? I like yoga pants with a comfy tank. But actually, if I could dress up everyday and wear heels I soooo would be in heaven.
13.Where would I visit if I had the chance? I would go anywhere anytime. I think if it was just me on my own, I would travel the world backpack style.
14.Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? My cup runneth over. It's NEVER empty EVER.
15.Where would I want to retire? Somewhere on a river or lake with deer hunting ground.
16.Favorite time of day? Early morning hours and sunset.
17.Where was I born? West Memphis, AR
18.What is my favorite sport to watch? Football! If it's not on, I'll watch boxing.
19.Bird watcher? Nope. Can't see 'em. Seriously need to wear my glasses.
20.Morning person or night person? Definitely a very chipper and quite happy morning person.
21.Any pets? One dog, Clifford who is disgusting yet cool. And one outside cat, Mitts.
22.Any new and exciting news I'd like to share? Only that I am unemployed by choice and starting grad school in the fall.
23.What did I want to be when I was little? An attorney. I would've made an awesome defense lawyer!
24.What is my best childhood memory? I truly have too many to choose one but any time spent with my mamaw ranks up there.
25.Cat or dog person? I'm not a pet person but I love cat personalities.
26.Am I married? 12 1/2 years and counting. ;)
27.Always wear seatbelt? Yes.
28.Been in a car accident? SEVERAL, the most recent 4 days ago in Gulf Shores. Geez!
29.Any pet peeve? YES! Smacking gum and/or food. I don't want to hear or see someone else's food. Thank you very much.
30.Favorite pizza toppings? ALL plus mustard on top. Don't knock it until you've tried it.
31.Favorite flower? Daffodils or daisies.
32.Favorite Ice Cream? Helllooooo! Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey! Yum-ola.
33.Favorite fast food restaurant? Arby's but since we don't have one here I'll go with McD's.
34.How many times did I fail my driver's test? NONE.
35.From whom did you get your last email? I think ACV or my Dad.
36.Which store would I choose to max out my credit card? I don't "max" out my credit card but I would drop all of my cash in Bass Pro and/or Ann Taylor Loft.
37.Do anything spontaneous lately? Actually yes but it's not for publication. ;)
38.Like my job? Um, no job but I loved my old one.
39.Broccoli? Anytime anywhere.
40.What was my favorite vacation? Disney World with Blakely and Anthony and actually, last Thanksgiving at deer camp with Blakely, Anthony, AND Clifford.
41.Last person I went out to dinner with? The Lace's and Blakely in Gulf Shores, AL.
42.What am I listening to right now? Clifford the Snoring Bulldog
43.Favorite Color? Blue.
44.How many tattoos do I have? Just one.
45.What time did I finish this quiz? 11:44 a.m.